Overview
Bersama acutidens Welw. ex Hiern is a plant species that belongs to the family of Meliaceae. It is native to the tropical and subtropical regions of Africa and is commonly found in countries like Angola, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. The plant has several common names such as the African gutta-percha tree, African malletwood, and wild guava.
Description
Bersama acutidens Welw. ex Hiern is a small to medium-sized tree that can grow up to a height of 10 meters. The tree has a smooth, greyish-brown bark that is marked with irregular fissures. It produces a milky, latex-like sap when cut which is used in traditional medicine. The leaves of the tree are compound and have between 5 and 13 leaflets that have a glossy appearance and an elliptical shape. The plant produces small white or cream-colored flowers that are clustered together in panicles and eventually give rise to small, round fruits that are green when young and turn yellow when ripe. The fruit contains a hard seed that is surrounded by a fleshy pulp.
Uses
Bersama acutidens Welw. ex Hiern has several uses in traditional medicine. The sap of the tree is used topically to treat skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. The leaves of the tree are used to make a tea that is said to have anti-inflammatory properties and can be used to treat fever and malaria. The fruit of the tree is edible and is used to make a jelly-like substance that is consumed in some African countries. The wood of the tree is hard and durable and is used for making furniture and carvings.
Appearance
Bersama acutidens Welw. ex Hiern is a small to medium-sized tree with smooth, greyish-brown bark and glossy, elliptical leaves that are arranged in a compound pattern. The tree produces small white or cream-colored flowers that eventually give rise to small, round fruits that contain a hard seed surrounded by a fleshy pulp. The plant has a smooth, milky sap that is used in traditional medicine.
Light Requirements
Bersama acutidens Welw. ex Hiern requires full sunlight to partial shade in order to grow properly. It can tolerate some shading but it should not be planted in areas with complete shade. If grown indoors, it should be placed near a south-facing window or provided with artificial light that is rich in blue spectrum.
Temperature Requirements
The plant is native to tropical and subtropical regions, therefore, it grows best in warm temperatures. It requires a minimum temperature of 18°C and a maximum temperature of 35°C. It will not tolerate frost and temperatures below 10°C can damage the plant.
Soil Requirements
Bersama acutidens Welw. ex Hiern prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The pH of the soil should be within the range of 6.5 to 7.5. The plant can tolerate a wide range of soil types but will perform best in loamy soil. It should be watered moderately, ensuring that the soil remains moist but not waterlogged.
Cultivation Methods for Bersama acutidens Welw. ex Hiern
Bersama acutidens is a tropical plant found in the African continent. The most suitable soil for its cultivation is sandy loam soil, which is moist and well-drained. The plant prefers partial shade, but it can also survive in full sunlight. It is recommended to propagate the plant using seeds, and the best time to sow is during the rainy season.
Watering Needs for Bersama acutidens Welw. ex Hiern
Bersama acutidens plants require adequate watering for proper growth and development. It is recommended to water the plants regularly, especially during the dry season. The amount of water required depends on the stage of growth. The young plants should be watered frequently to maintain soil moisture. However, mature plants require less frequent watering to prevent waterlogging and root rot.
Fertilization of Bersama acutidens Welw. ex Hiern
Bersama acutidens plants benefit from regular fertilization, especially during the growing season. The recommended fertilizers include organic compost and NPK fertilizer. Apply the fertilizer at the base of the plant and water it thoroughly. Over-fertilization can lead to the rapid growth of foliage, which eventually weakens the plant.
Pruning of Bersama acutidens Welw. ex Hiern
Pruning is an essential aspect of Bersama acutidens plant care. The plant requires pruning to maintain its shape and enhance its growth. The best time to prune is during the active growing season. Cut off the dead, diseased, or damaged branches using sterilized pruning tools. Keep in mind that pruning can stimulate new growth, so avoid excessive pruning.
Propagation of Bersama acutidens Welw. ex Hiern
Bersama acutidens Welw. ex Hiern, commonly known as Wild Chewing Stick, can be propagated through various methods such as seeds and stem cuttings.
Propagation by seeds:
The seeds of Bersama acutidens Welw. ex Hiern require a specific pretreatment method before sowing. They have a hard seed coat that requires scarification to break the hard layer and promote germination. One method of scarification is to soak the seeds in hot water for 24 hours, followed by immersing them in cold water for another 24 hours. The seeds can be sown in the nursery bed or pots filled with well-drained soil. Germination occurs within a month, and the seedlings could be transplanted to a permanent location once they attain a height of 5-6 inches.
Propagation by stem cuttings:
Bersama acutidens Welw. ex Hiern can also be propagated via stem cuttings collected from the mother plant that is free from any pest and disease damage. The cuttings should be 4-5 inches long with at least two nodes. The leaves on the lower part should be removed, and the base of the cutting should be dipped in a rooting hormone before planting the stem into the soil. The cuttings should be planted in well-drained soil in a shaded area to facilitate rooting. The soil should be watered regularly to maintain the moisture level until the roots develop. Once the cuttings establish roots, they can be transplanted into a permanent location.
Disease and Pest Management for Bersama acutidens Welw. ex Hiern
Bersama acutidens Welw. ex Hiern is a tree species found across tropical Africa. Like all plant species, it is susceptible to pest and disease attacks that can compromise the plant's health and reduce its productivity. To promote plant health, it is essential to understand the common pests and diseases that affect Bersama acutidens and the best management options to mitigate the damage.
Common Diseases
The common diseases affecting Bersama acutidens Welw. ex Hiern are fungal, viral, and bacterial in nature. The diseases of the plant are related to the weather, soil fertility, insect, and mites. The most common diseases of Bersama acutidens are shoot blight, stem canker, heart rot, and leaf spot.
Shoot Blight: Shoot blight is typically caused by fungi. It causes the shoot to wilt and dieback slowly. To manage this disease, prune and destroy the affected shoots promptly. Apply fungicide spray to protect healthy shoots.
Stem Canker: Stem canker is a fungal disease that causes the trunk to deteriorate slowly. Infected branches or twigs may wilt or die, and cankers may form around the wounds. To manage this disease, prune and destroy the infested parts of the plant and disinfect the gardening tools. Maintain balanced soil fertility and avoid wounding the bark.
Heart Rot: Heart rot is a common fungal disease that infects the inner wood of the tree. This disease is often visible in older trees. The signs of the disease are yellowing leaves, dead branches, and fungal fruiting structures. To manage this disease, prune and destroy affected parts of the tree. Apply fungicide to prevent further infections.
Leaf Spot: Leaf spot is a fungal disease that causes yellowing and browning of the leaves. It can also result in leaf drop and reduce plant vigor. To manage this disease, prune and destroy the infected leaves, water the plant at the base and avoid overhead watering.
Common Pests
The common pests that infect Bersama acutidens are mealybugs, spider mites, and aphids, among others. These pests can compromise the health of the plant and reduce its productivity.
Mealybugs: These pests are small, soft insects that cover themselves in a white, powdery wax. They feed by sucking the sap of the plant and cause yellowing, weakening, and stunting of the shoot. To manage this pest, remove the infested parts of the plant, spray with organic insecticides, and introduce natural predators.
Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny, red, or yellow insects that cause stippling of the leaves and reduced plant vigor. They usually thrive in hot and dry weather conditions. To manage this pest, spray the plant with water regularly, introduce natural predators, and use insecticidal soap as a last resort.
Aphids: Aphids are small, green insects that suck sap from the leaves, shoot, and buds. They reproduce quickly, and their populations tend to increase rapidly, which can cause wilting and deformation of the plant. To manage this pest, remove the infested parts, spray with water, neem oil, insecticidal soap, or introduce natural predators.
The key to preventing and managing pests and diseases in Bersama acutidens Welw. ex Hiern is to maintain good garden hygiene, provide adequate nutrition, monitor the plant regularly, and apply appropriate control measures promptly. By doing so, you can maintain the health of the plant and ensure its productivity.
